Safari Overview

Starting in Sepilok, visit the Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre to observe orangutan feeding time and see these curious primates up close. From here, you head to the Kinabatangan River where the wildlife is prolific at the shores as your cruise some of its length. Danum Valley is next, 43 kilometres of pristine rainforest, from which to go in search of the amazing wildlife, such as birds, elephant and orangutans, and if you are very lucky, maybe even clouded leopard or Sumatran rhino. Finally head back to Kota Kinabalu to relax by the stunning beaches and turquoise waters.

What makes this trip extraordinary

See orangutans in the wild, and in the rehabilitation centre.

Wildlife cruises down the Kinabatangan River .

Chances of spotting clouded leopard and Sumatran rhino in the Danum Valley.

Day by day

Day 1

Arrive Sepilok

You will be met on arrival at Sandakan airport today at escorted to Sepilok where you can settle into your lodge, Sepilok Nature Resort. You have the option to join a night walk this evening to get your first jungle experience, and try your hand at spotting some of Borneo’s nocturnal flora and fauna.

Sepilok & Labuk Bay

Enjoy some free time this morning before heading to the Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary in time for the feeding at 11am. Famed for their large nose which act as a resonator for their loud honking noises, these pot-bellied primates really are a sight to behold. The afternoon is at leisure. We recommend visiting the Rainforest Discovery Centre and the Sun Bear Conservation Centre; a great place set up to raise awareness and rehabilitate this gorgeous but endangered creature.

Sepilok - Abai

Head to the Sepilok Orang-utan Rehabilitation Centre in time for their morning feed, and, if you haven't already you will be able to visit the Sun Bear Conservation Centre before setting off to Sim Sim Jetty in Sandakan to make your way across the bay and into the mouth of the Kinabatangan River. Along the 80 minute transfer, you will witness small local communities at the river's edge, as well as a variety of wildlife.

Abai - Kinabatangan River

After waking to the sounds of nature take an early morning river cruise to Pitas Lake to view some of the local wildlife. Following breakfast you are invited to join our tree planting project with the locals. Once you've worked up an appetite the Abai villagers will happily provide a simple lunch to keep you going throughout your afternoon activities, seeking out more orangutans, birdlife, and pygmy elephants. Late afternoon, enjoy a cruise to Menanggul River, a small tributary of the Kinabatangan.

Kinabatangan River

Today you can opt for the river safari which visits a variety of fauna and flora along the banks of the Kinabatangan River, including orangutans, proboscis monkeys, tree snakes, crocodiles, civets, monitor lizards, macaques, and much, much more. Herds of wild elephant can often be seen sipping the water from the river banks. You will also have the chance to visit the fascinating Gomantong Caves, home to up to 300,000 bats.

Kinabatangan River - Danum Valley

Early this morning you make your way southwards to the renowned Danum Valley. On arrival at your rainforest lodge you will have time to sit back, relax and enjoy your new surroundings. Danum Valley is one of the best remaining examples of how Borneo's forests used to be, with a thick tropical canopy and a variety of wildlife.

Danum Valley

Danum Valley encompasses 43 square kilometres of pristine rainforest and is home to a variety of wildlife; including, orangutans, a plethora of birds, clouded leopard, elephant and, if one is very lucky, the Sumatran rhino. With both a canopy walkway and a viewpoint which looks out over the jungle canopy and the dramatic mountains, this conservation area is definitely worth visiting. Spend your days with one of the naturalist guides exploring the many nature trails and waterfalls, take a dip in the natural Jacuzzi pool or floating down the Danum River on tubes.

Danum Valley - Kota Kinabalu

Today you have one last morning to spend relaxing in the jungle before being transferred to Lahad Datu for your onward flight to Kota Kinabalu. On arrival you will be transferred approximately 40 minutes to your stunning beachside resort.

Kota Kinabalu

Spend your day relaxing on warm sands of Pantai Dalit beach and prepare for exciting nocturnal nature walks if you want to fit in some more wildlife encounters. The resort has plenty of activities on offer from river excursions to water sports, or you can just kick back and soak up some sun after the adventures of the last few days.

Depart Kota Kinabalu

Check out of the Rasa Ria this morning and bid farewell to Borneo. You will be taken to the airport in time for your international flight home.

Trip Details

Wildlife

This is a tailor-made wildlife safari and can be edited to suit your needs, wants and budget. We have selected the best places in Borneo’s Sabah region for spotting orangutans in the wild, as well as the other amazing wildlife found in Borneo. The properties we have selected ensure you are in the best place to experience the wildlife close up, in comfort.

About Tailor-made Safaris

A tailor-made safaris is one designed specifically for you, around your taste, budget, people travelling, interests and more. This itinerary is just an example and can be refined and changed to make it perfect for you